Official Information Request - 19 June 2018

Sent: Friday, 22 June 2018 11:45 a.m.

Subject: TRIM: Official Information Request - Ngongotaha Flood Review Panel

I refer to your website request of 19 June for information relating to the Ngongotaha Flood Review Panel, and respond as per your questions below:

1. What was the selection criteria for panel members? For example was there an interview process? Were the names pulled out of a hat, or were they selected based on recommendations? If so, please advise how the recommendation process or other selection process worked.The independent panel is a joint initiative between Rotorua Lakes Council and BOP Regional Council. Both parties proposed panel members based on the relevant experience needed. These names were discussed by both Councils with the final make-up decided between the Chief Executives of both Councils.
2. Were there any candidates suggested or interviewed or recommended as panel members, but did not get selected?No, two panel members were put forward by each Council.
3. What is the fee each individual panel member is receiving?This information is withheld under section 7(2)(b)(ii) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 'protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who is subject to the information'.
4. What is the expected cost for all the panels work and final report?The estimated cost of the review is $200,000. All costs associated with the review are being shared equally between Rotorua Lakes Council and BOP Regional Council.

Council published an article on its website on 19 June ( http://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-council/news/Pages/default.aspx?newsItem=7965 ) about the independent review which you may find of interest. The article also includes a link to the terms of reference for the panel.

As per the Act, we are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards